On July 15, 2025, the American Canyon City Council approved a legal services agreement with Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC (CHW) and appointed Teresa Highsmith as the City’s new City Attorney, effective July 16, 2025.
The appointment follows a thorough selection process that began in April when the City Council issued a Request for Proposals for legal services. Nine firms submitted proposals and five firms advanced to interviews conducted in June.
“After careful consideration of all proposals and interviews, the Council determined that CHW is the most qualified firm to provide legal services to our City,” said City Manager Jason Holley. “Teresa Highsmith’s extensive experience in municipal law makes her an excellent choice to serve as American Canyon’s City Attorney.”
Highsmith is a shareholder with CHW and has specialized in municipal law since 1991. Her previous City Attorney experience includes serving the cities of Martinez, Barstow, Sierra, South Pasadena and Alameda. She brings extensive expertise in areas critical to local government operations, including zoning and land use regulation, legislation drafting, water and utility issues, labor and employment matters, housing authority law, public works, open meetings law, Public Records Act requests and conflicts of interest.
Founded in 2002, CHW has grown to become a recognized leader in California municipal law, representing local government agencies nearly exclusively. The firm’s 35 attorneys serve approximately 150 agencies statewide and are well-versed in transactional, advisory and litigation practice for municipalities across California.
The City recognizes Bill Ross for his outstanding service as City Attorney and his contributions to American Canyon. The City anticipates continuing to contract with the Law Offices of William D. Ross for special counsel services related to existing litigation matters under a separate agreement.